Safe Medication Use for Athletes: Pain Relievers, NSAIDs, Supplements & Sports Injuries

Whether you’re training for a competition, playing a recreational sport, or simply staying active, injuries, muscle soreness, and everyday illnesses can sometimes interfere with your routine. Medications can help manage pain, inflammation, and certain health conditions, but they should be used carefully.

For athletes, using medication safely is especially important because some medicines can affect training, recovery, hydration, or athletic performance. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may also contain substances that are restricted in certain sports competitions.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider Before Taking Medication

Before starting a new medication, athletes should talk with their healthcare provider about how and when to take it. This is particularly important if you are taking other medications or supplements.

Your healthcare provider can help you understand:

• The correct dose and timing

• How to take the medication safely

• Potential side effects

• Possible interactions with other medications or supplements

• How the medication may affect exercise, training, or performance

• How long you should use the medication

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take, including vitamins, iron, herbal products, and supplements marketed to improve athletic performance.

Medication Should Be Part of a Larger Treatment Plan

Medication may help relieve pain or inflammation, but it doesn't necessarily treat the underlying cause of an injury.

For example, an athlete with a sports injury may need a combination of treatments such as rest, physical therapy, bracing, or rehabilitation in addition to medication.

Pain medication can also make an injury feel better without actually making the injury better. This can sometimes lead athletes to return to activity too soon and potentially worsen the injury.

If you need medication to continue participating in your sport, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider about whether you are ready to return to activity.

Understanding Common Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Many athletes use nonprescription, or over-the-counter (OTC), medications to manage pain and inflammation. While these medications are available without a prescription, they are not completely risk-free.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Common examples include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)

• Naproxen (Aleve®)

NSAIDs may be useful for certain overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, bursitis, shin splints, or arthritis. However, they may not be appropriate for every injury or athlete.

For some acute injuries, including certain sprains, strains, or fractures, prolonged NSAID use may potentially interfere with the healing process. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether an NSAID is appropriate and how long you should use it.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, commonly sold as Tylenol®, can help relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation or swelling.

Always follow the dosing instructions on the medication label or those provided by your healthcare provider.

Don't Combine Multiple NSAIDs

Taking more than one NSAID at the same time can increase the risk of side effects without necessarily providing additional benefit.

For example, you should not take ibuprofen and naproxen together unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare provider.

In some situations, an NSAID may be used with acetaminophen, but athletes should follow guidance from their healthcare provider regarding which medications to take and how to take them.

NSAIDs should generally be taken with food, even if it is only a small snack, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Be Aware of Potential NSAID Side Effects

NSAIDs can cause side effects, particularly when they are used frequently or for long periods.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach upset or irritation

• Gastritis

• Stomach ulcers

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

Athletes who are dehydrated or who have kidney or liver conditions should speak with a healthcare provider before using NSAIDs.

Long-term or frequent use of pain or anti-inflammatory medications should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Regular checkups may be recommended to watch for potential side effects.

Never Share Prescription Medication

Even if another athlete has symptoms that seem similar to yours, never take someone else's prescription medication or give your prescription medication to someone else.

Prescription medications are selected based on an individual's medical history, health conditions, other medications, allergies, and specific needs. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another.

Supplements Aren't Risk-Free

Vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and athletic performance supplements are often marketed as natural or safe. However, supplements can still affect the body and may cause side effects or interact with medications.

Athletes should talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

If you participate in a sport with drug testing, it's also important to know that some supplements and medications may contain ingredients that are restricted or prohibited in competition.

Athletes Who Participate in Drug Testing Should Check the Rules

Athletes subject to drug testing should be aware that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may contain substances restricted in competitive sports.

Rules can vary by sport and organization and may change over time. Athletes should check the current prohibited-substance lists and medication guidelines that apply to their competition.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) provides resources to help athletes understand medication and supplement rules.

When Should an Athlete See a Healthcare Provider?

Medication shouldn't be used to simply push through an injury.

Depending on the injury, treatment may include:

• Rest

• Ice

• Compression

• Elevation

• Bracing or immobilization

• Physical therapy

• Rehabilitation exercises

• Gradual return to activity

Talk with a healthcare provider if:

• Pain or swelling doesn't improve

• An injury keeps coming back

• You need medication in order to participate in your sport

• You need pain or anti-inflammatory medication for an extended period

• You're unsure whether a medication or supplement is safe for you

• You participate in drug-tested sports and aren't sure whether a medication is permitted

Protect Your Health On and Off the Field

Medications can be an important part of treating injuries, managing health conditions, and helping athletes feel better when they're sick. But using them safely means understanding what you're taking, how much you should take, and when you should seek professional guidance.

Don't let pain medication mask an injury or supplements replace proper medical care. Working with a healthcare provider can help you recover safely while protecting your long-term health and athletic performance.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing a medication or supplement.